Low Common Road, South Lopham, Diss, IP22 2HX

Redgrave & Lopham Fen

Fen

Place photograph

7.4

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Wild

Feel

WetlandWoodlandRemote countrysideWildlife loversWalkersPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

7.4

At the head of the Waveney and Little Ouse catchments, this expansive valley fen brings reedbed, open water, grassland and woodland together in one wetland landscape.

England’s largest valley fen is a substantial wetland landscape rather than a token nature stop. Its waymarked trails cross flat, often wet ground, with year-round birdlife and the chance to watch marsh harriers hunting over the reeds.

Wild · Peaceful · Big-sky

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Low Common Road, South Lopham, Diss, IP22 2HX

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The experience

Take a waymarked trail across the flat fenland and watch for birds over the reeds and pools. The landscape is wet underfoot, so footwear suited to muddy paths is sensible.

Things to do

Follow a waymarked fen trail

Explore the reserve on its waymarked trails, crossing wetland and wooded habitat on paths described as wide, flat and easy.

Look for marsh harriers over the reeds

Scan the reedbeds for Western Marsh Harriers hunting over the fen; Birdingplaces describes this as a common winter sight.

Watch the pools for waterfowl

Look across the pools for waterfowl. Birdingplaces also notes Barn Owls hunting over grassy areas in winter.

Walk towards the source of the River Waveney

A published 5.5 km walk includes the source of the River Waveney and part of the Angles Way. Check the route details and current access before setting out.

About 2 hours 20 minutes for the published walk

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1–2 hours

A short fenland birdwatch

01
Start from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust Education Centre area; check current access and parking arrangements before setting out.
02
Follow a waymarked trail on the wide, flat paths.
03
Pause to scan the pools and reedbeds for waterfowl and hunting marsh harriers.

Half day · About 2 hours 20 minutes for the sourced 5.5 km walk

Fen trail and the Waveney’s source

01
Use the reserve trails for a longer walk across the fen.
02
A published walking video describes a 5.5 km walk taking in part of the Angles Way and the source of the River Waveney.
03
Allow for wet ground and check route conditions and access before departure.

When to go

· No source-supported time of day specified.

Birdingplaces identifies spring and winter as good times to visit. Winter offers reported marsh harrier and waterfowl activity; summer brings the possibility of Eurasian Hobby and Cetti’s Warbler.

The terrain is described as flat but wet. Expect muddy or wet paths and check current conditions before visiting.

What to look for

01
Watch for Western Marsh Harriers over the reeds, waterfowl on the pools and, in winter, Barn Owls hunting over grassy areas. Bearded Tits are a possibility
02
sightings are not guaranteed.

Best time to go

Year-round; spring and winter are highlighted for birdwatching.

Birdingplaces identifies spring and winter as particularly good seasons. In winter, look for hunting marsh harriers and waterfowl; spring brings the chance of hearing summer-visiting birds.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Wildlife lovers · Walkers · Photographers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Visitors Centre, Low Common Rd, South Lopham, Diss IP22 2HX

Phone

+44 1379 688333

Website

suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

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Google rating

4.7 · 480 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A Suffolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve with waymarked trails. Birdingplaces reports access on foot and parking at the Trust’s Education Centre; check the official reserve page for current access information before travelling.

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Parking

Birdingplaces reports parking at the Suffolk Wildlife Trust Education Centre and describes it as free. Confirm current arrangements with the reserve.

Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

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Accessibility

The supplied place data describes a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. Birdingplaces describes the trails as wide, flat and easy, but route-specific accessibility and current conditions should be checked before visiting.

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Cost

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Water

Fen, pools and the source of the River Waveney. No swimming or paddling permission is evidenced.